The average life expectancy for a new vehicle is about eight years or 150,000 miles, but take good care of it and you might just get 300,000 miles. Regular maintenance is a must in order for cars to continue performing at their best, and the last thing you probably want to do is have to turn around and get another one not long after you’ve paid it off. After all, who among us can afford all these car repairs while looking for Pittsburgh houses for sale, or real estate in any U.S. city?
Follow these tips and increase the odds that you’ll be able to keep yours going longer and save a significant amount of money over the long run too.
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Frequently Inspect The Tires
Tire pressure is something you’ll want to check frequently – it will save you time, money and help keep you safe. Tires are one of the most important components of a vehicle when it comes to safety and efficiency. Once a month, inspect your tires closely looking for uneven tread wear, punctures, objects lodged in them, cracks or bulges. It’s especially important to pay close attention to tire tread for indication as to when to replace them or you could be putting yourself, and your passengers, at risk. Get an alignment annually, or about every 15,000 miles to avoid uneven tread wear. Daily impacts like railroad crossings and potholes can knock them out of alignment.
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
Your car’s air filter prevents dirt and various particles from getting into the engine. If it’s clogged, it can impact performance and could also lead to polluted air inside the vehicle. Ideally, the filter should be changed every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. Buy air filter from trusted distributor companies locally and online, and ensure you arrange quick, ease and affordable Car parts delivery to with it.
Regular Oil Changes
Some still go by the old school rules, advising that the oil in your car is changed every 3,000 miles, but the reality is, these days cars operate more efficiently. Most experts say they can go at least 5,000 miles before getting an oil change. If you use pricier synthetic oil, you may be able to get away with as long as 10,000 miles.
Check Your Car Battery Every Six Months
Most people have experienced the frustration of a car not starting due to failure of the battery. To avoid this, check it every six months. When the engine is off, you can use a multimeter to see if it’s fully charged, about 12.4 to 12.7 volts. Also check the cables and ensure they’re connected, looking for any leakage or buildup as well.
Replace Your Windshield Wipers
Whenever your view starts to get streaky, get those windshield wipers replaced. If you ignore them, you could find yourself in a dangerous situation with them not working at all. After all, visibility is key to preventing accidents. Plus, there’s no need to hire someone to do it when they’re so cheap and easy to replace yourself.
Get The Spark Plugs Changed
If your car’s spark plugs get worn out or covered in buildup, your engine won’t be able to work as efficiently as it should. That can not only hurt gas mileage, but it could lead to a breakdown. While most standard vehicles with copper spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 miles but iridium plugs can last as long as 100,000 miles.